Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our grilled Cornish game hens, masterfully stuffed with a savory eggplant mixture. These tender and juicy hens are marinated in a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfectly complemented by the rich and smoky eggplant stuffing, made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers, and a hint of tangy feta cheese. This dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a centerpiece for any special occasion or intimate gathering.
In addition to the main recipe, we also provide variations to suit different dietary preferences and taste buds. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, we offer a delectable stuffed eggplant recipe, capturing the same vibrant flavors of the original dish. And for those seeking a lighter alternative, our grilled Cornish game hens with lemon and herbs offer a refreshing and zesty twist.
These recipes are not only easy to follow but also packed with nutritional value. Cornish game hens are known for their lean protein content, while eggplant is a great source of fiber and antioxidants. The stuffing provides a generous serving of vegetables, ensuring a balanced and satisfying meal.
So, whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary adventures, these grilled Cornish game hens with eggplant stuffing recipes are sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and create a memorable dining experience!
TUSCAN GRILLED CORNISH HENS
Steps:
- Sprinkle the Cornish hens with 1 teaspoon salt on each side.
- Combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a ceramic or glass dish just large enough to hold the flattened hens. Add the hens, and turn to coat. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, turning once or twice.
- When ready to grill, prepare a hot charcoal fire on one side of a grill (or turn a gas grill on low heat). Spread 1/4 of the coals across the other side of the grill. Place the hens on the cooler side skin-side up and weigh them down with a gratin dish with a foil-wrapped brick inside.
- Cook for 12 minutes, until the underside is golden brown. Turn the hens skin-side down, weigh them down again, and cook for another 12 minutes until the skin is golden brown and the hens are cooked through.
- Place the lemon halves on the cool side of the grill, cut-side down, for the last 10 minutes of cooking. Remove the Cornish hens and lemons to a plate or cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Cut the hens in half, sprinkle with fleur de sel, and serve with the grilled lemon halves.
GRILLED CORNISH GAME HENS
This recipe is great for summertime grilling. Game hens will melt in your mouth.
Provided by Suzanne
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Chicken Cornish Hen Recipes
Time 5h15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large, non-reactive bowl, mix onion, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, white wine, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, pepper, celery salt, and salt. Place Cornish game hens in the bowl, coating evenly with the marinade mixture. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 4 hours.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil grate.
- Cook hens about 1 hour on the prepared grill, brushing occasionally with remaining marinade, until no longer pink and juices run clear.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 871 calories, Carbohydrate 8.5 g, Cholesterol 302.4 mg, Fat 69.2 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 52.1 g, SaturatedFat 15.4 g, Sodium 1124.2 mg, Sugar 2.3 g
GRILLED CORNISH HENS
Grilled cornish hens are elegant showstoppers and so easy to make with a simple marinade. This 30-minute recipe is for both casual and fancy dinners!
Provided by Diana
Categories Main Course
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and place the Cornish hens skin side down on a cutting board.
- Using kitchen shears cut along one side of the backbone from the tail towards the neck. Cut along the other side of the backbone to remove it completely.
- Turn the hen over and bend the legs so they face outward. Using two hands, press down firmly on the breast until you hear the breastbone cracking. Repeat with the remaining birds.
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, parsley, salt, and pepper to a large bowl or large Ziploc bag and mix everything together. Add in the hens and use your hands to move everything around making sure they are coated well in the marinade.
- Preheat half the grill to 350°F/180°C. Clean and oil the grilling grates to help prevent the birds from sticking.
- Place the hens skin side up over the heat/coals and brush them with the remaining marinade. Cover and cook for 5 minutes then flip and cook for another 15-25 minutes.
- Remove from the grill and serve.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cornish hen, Calories 650 kcal
GRILLED CORNISH GAME HENS
Steps:
- Oil and salt the hens, let sit to come to room temp: Pat the hens dry with paper towels, then coat them with the olive oil. Salt well and set aside for 15-30 minutes; the hens will cook better if they are at room temperature.
- Prepare the grill: While the hens are coming to room temperature, get your grill hot. Make sure the grates are clean. Just before you put the birds on the grill, soak a paper towel in some oil and use tongs to wipe down the grill grates.
- Season and rest before serving: Move the hens off the grill and grind some black pepper over them. Let the birds rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. Links: How to Spatchcock (Butterfly) Chicken , here on Simply Recipes Smoked Soy-Honey-Rum Cornish Hens , from She Simmers Game Hens with Caprese Salad , from Guilty Kitchen
STUFFED CORNISH GAME HENS
THIS ENTREE makes an ordinary day special. Whenever I cook Cornish hens for my husband and me, it stirs up warm memories of family times around the holiday dinner table. I bake the extra stuffing separately so we're sure to have enough. -Nancy Aubrey, Ruidoso, New Mexico
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h20m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, saute celery and onion in 2 tablespoons butter until tender. Remove from the heat. Stir in cornbread, bread crumbs, pimientos, broth, egg, poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; mix well. , Stuff each hen with 3/4 cup stuffing. Place extra stuffing in a greased 1-qt. baking dish; refrigerate. Place hens breast side up on a rack in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover loosely with foil; bake at 375° for 45 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt the remaining butter; add garlic, lemon zest, mint and remaining salt and pepper. Brush over hens. Bake 15-30 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 180° for hens and 165° for stuffing. Bake the extra stuffing, covered, for 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1728 calories, Fat 106g fat (44g saturated fat), Cholesterol 601mg cholesterol, Sodium 3675mg sodium, Carbohydrate 106g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 82g protein.
GRILLED CORNISH GAME HENS & EGGPLANT STUFFING
Cornish hen grilled and placed with eggplant dressing. ****You can sub the eggplant with oysters just don't add salt to the stuffing.You can also use wild mushrooms. I spice up the hens with creole seasonings.
Provided by The Galveston Chef
Categories Whole Chicken
Time 45m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Prepare the hen by splitting it in half and remove the backbone.
- Season the hen with black pepper and salt set aside.
- Add butter to heated pot with a splash of chicken stock.
- Chop celery, eggplant, onion, bell pepper, and garlic; add to pot.
- Season with sage, salt, pepper and file.
- Smother ingredients until clear.
- Add bread crumbs and chicken stock and mix.
- Place in shallow pan and bake at 375°F for about 30 minute.
- Grill the hen on your grill brushing with butter until done.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1537.6, Fat 37.9, SaturatedFat 13.8, Cholesterol 340.1, Sodium 2157.3, Carbohydrate 187.4, Fiber 21.6, Sugar 25, Protein 111
GLAZED CORNISH HENS WITH POMEGRANATE-RICE STUFFING
These pomegranate and orange glazed hens make a festive main course. Wild rice and herbs create a hearty stuffing spiced with cumin and ginger. Any extra rice can be layered between grape leaves and baked to serve alongside.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 2h30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Mix the cinnamon, 4 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a bowl; sprinkle all over the hens and inside the cavities. Place the hens on a rack set on a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate, uncovered, at least 2 hours or overnight. Meanwhile, soak the grape leaves in water 1 hour.
- Bring the chicken broth and 2 cups water to a boil in a saucepan; add the rice blend and cook as the label directs. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallot, garlic, ginger and cumin and cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat; add the cooked rice, pomegranate seeds, and chopped parsley and cilantro; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Add the egg yolks and stir to combine.
- Make the glaze: Bring the orange juice and pomegranate molasses to a boil in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and swirl in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
- Fill the cavity of each hen with about 1/2 cup of the rice mixture (reserve the rest); tie the legs together with twine. Roast 20 minutes, then brush with the pomegranate glaze. Continue roasting, glazing every 10 minutes, until a thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165 degrees F to 170 degrees F, 1 hour to 1 hour, 10 minutes. (Rotate the hens halfway through cooking; if the skin gets too dark, cover loosely with foil.)
- Meanwhile, drain the grape leaves and pat dry. Use some of the leaves to line a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the reserved rice mixture and drizzle with 2 tablespoons water. Cover with the remaining grape leaves, shiny side up, then cover with foil. (If you aren't using grape leaves, spoon the rice into a pie dish, sprinkle with water and cover with foil.) After the hens have roasted about 20 minutes, transfer the rice to the oven and cook until heated through, about 45 minutes.
- Transfer the hens to a platter and add some parsley and cilantro sprigs and pomegranate seeds. Peel the grape leaves off the top of the rice and serve alongside the hens.
GRILLED CORNISH HENS
I like experimenting with different foods and adapting them to my own tastes. These hens are one of my specialties, an entree I concocted by combining a few different recipes. The moist meat has a pleasant grilled flavor that's accented with cloves and ginger.-David Baruch, Weston, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h5m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, onions, parsley, ginger, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. , Rub mixture under the skin and over the top of each game hen. Sprinkle remaining salt and pepper inside the hen cavities. , Using long-handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack. Prepare grill for indirect heat, using a drip pan. , Place hens breast side up over drip pan; grill, covered, over indirect medium heat for 45-60 minutes or until a thermometer reads 180° and the meat juices run clear.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 803 calories, Fat 60g fat (21g saturated fat), Cholesterol 381mg cholesterol, Sodium 855mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 60g protein.
Tips:
- Select the right Cornish game hens: Choose hens that are plump and have a moist appearance. Avoid hens that are excessively thin or have dry skin.
- Brine the hens before cooking: Brining helps to keep the hens moist and flavorful. To brine, dissolve 1/2 cup of salt and 1/4 cup of sugar in 1 gallon of cold water. Place the hens in the brine solution and refrigerate for 4-8 hours.
- Stuff the hens with a flavorful mixture: The eggplant stuffing in this recipe is a great option, but you can also use other fillings, such as bread stuffing, wild rice stuffing, or apple stuffing.
- Roast the hens at a high temperature: This will help to create a crispy skin and juicy meat. Roast the hens for 1 hour and 15 minutes at 450°F (230°C).
- Let the hens rest before carving: This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Let the hens rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Conclusion:
Grilled Cornish game hens with eggplant stuffing is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The hens are brined and roasted to perfection, and the eggplant stuffing is flavorful and aromatic. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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